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Enum: UnitOperationType

Fundamental chemical and process engineering unit operations - the discrete processing steps that transform, separate, combine, or move process material. Grouped (via the unit_operation_class annotation) into momentum transfer, heat transfer, mass-transfer separations, mechanical separations, solids processing, reaction, and storage.

URI: valuesets:UnitOperationType

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Permissible Values

Value Title Meaning Description Aliases Unit Operation Class
PUMPING Raising the pressure or moving of a liquid stream using a pump MOMENTUM_TRANSFER
COMPRESSION Raising the pressure of a gas or vapor stream using a compressor MOMENTUM_TRANSFER
GAS_MOVING Moving a gas stream at low pressure rise using a fan or blower MOMENTUM_TRANSFER
FLOW_SPLITTING Dividing a single stream into two or more streams of identical composition MOMENTUM_TRANSFER
STREAM_MIXING Combining two or more streams into a single stream MOMENTUM_TRANSFER
HEAT_EXCHANGE Transfer of thermal energy between two streams without phase-change intent HEAT_TRANSFER
HEATING Raising the temperature of a process stream HEAT_TRANSFER
COOLING Lowering the temperature of a process stream HEAT_TRANSFER
CONDENSATION Converting a vapor to a liquid by removing heat HEAT_TRANSFER
EVAPORATION evaporation CHMO:0001574 Concentrating a solution by vaporizing solvent, typically water HEAT_TRANSFER
DISTILLATION distillation CHMO:0001532 Separation of components by differences in volatility (boiling point) MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
ABSORPTION Selective transfer of one or more gas-phase components into a liquid solvent MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
STRIPPING Selective transfer of dissolved components from a liquid into a gas stream MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
LIQUID_LIQUID_EXTRACTION extraction CHMO:0001577 Separation by partitioning of solutes between two immiscible liquid phases MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
LEACHING leaching CHMO:0001681 Solid-liquid extraction of soluble components from a solid using a solvent MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
ADSORPTION Selective uptake of components onto the surface of a solid sorbent MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
ION_EXCHANGE Reversible exchange of ions between a solution and a solid ion-exchange resin MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
CHROMATOGRAPHY chromatography CHMO:0001000 Separation by differential partitioning of solutes between a mobile and stationary phase MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
CRYSTALLIZATION crystallization PROCO:0000052 Formation of a solid crystalline phase from a solution or melt MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
PRECIPITATION precipitation CHMO:0001688 Formation of an insoluble solid from solution by chemical or physical means MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
DRYING Removal of a liquid (usually water) from a solid or surface by vaporization MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
FREEZE_DRYING freeze drying CHMO:0001553 Removal of solvent by sublimation from the frozen state (lyophilization) lyophilization MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
HUMIDIFICATION Addition of water vapor to a gas stream MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
MEMBRANE_SEPARATION Separation of stream components using a semipermeable membrane MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
MICROFILTRATION micro-filtration CHMO:0001641 Membrane separation retaining particles roughly 0.1-10 micrometers MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
ULTRAFILTRATION ultra-filtration CHMO:0001645 Membrane separation retaining macromolecules and colloids MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
NANOFILTRATION nano-filtration CHMO:0001642 Membrane separation retaining small molecules and multivalent ions MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
REVERSE_OSMOSIS reverse osmosis CHMO:0001643 Pressure-driven membrane separation rejecting dissolved salts and small solutes MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
DIALYSIS dialysis CHMO:0001522 Diffusive membrane separation of solutes across a concentration gradient MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
ELECTRODIALYSIS Membrane separation of ions driven by an applied electric field MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
PERVAPORATION Membrane separation combining permeation and partial vaporization of the permeate MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
FILTRATION filtration CHMO:0001640 Separation of solids from a fluid by passage through a porous medium MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
CENTRIFUGATION centrifugation OBI:0302886 Separation of phases by density difference under centrifugal force MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
SEDIMENTATION Gravity separation of suspended solids or immiscible liquids by settling MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
CLARIFICATION Removal of suspended solids from a liquid to produce a clarified stream MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
FLOTATION Separation of solids or droplets by attachment to rising gas bubbles MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
FLOCCULATION Aggregation of fine suspended particles into larger flocs to aid separation MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
CYCLONE_SEPARATION Separation of particles from a fluid using centrifugal force in a cyclone MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
SCREENING Separation of particulate solids by size using a screen or sieve MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
GAS_LIQUID_SEPARATION Disengagement of vapor and liquid phases, e.g. in a flash or knockout drum MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
SIZE_REDUCTION Reduction of particle size by crushing, grinding, or milling (comminution) SOLIDS_PROCESSING
SIZE_ENLARGEMENT Increase of particle size by granulation, agglomeration, or pelletizing SOLIDS_PROCESSING
MIXING mixing CHMO:0001685 Blending of materials to achieve compositional or thermal uniformity SOLIDS_PROCESSING
SOLIDS_CONVEYING Transport of bulk particulate solids between process steps SOLIDS_PROCESSING
CHEMICAL_REACTION Chemical conversion of reactants to products in a reactor REACTION
FERMENTATION fermentation CHMO:0001624 Microbial or enzymatic conversion of substrate to product in a bioreactor REACTION
COMBUSTION combustion CHMO:0001473 Exothermic oxidation of a fuel, typically to generate heat or power REACTION
GASIFICATION gasification CHMO:0001501 Conversion of carbonaceous feedstock to synthesis gas under limited oxygen REACTION
PYROLYSIS pyrolysis CHMO:0001502 Thermal decomposition of material in the absence of oxygen REACTION
ELECTROLYSIS Driving a non-spontaneous chemical reaction using electrical energy REACTION
NEUTRALIZATION Adjustment of pH by reaction of acid and base REACTION
PURIFICATION purification CHMO:0002231 Removal of impurities to increase the purity of a product stream SEPARATION
STORAGE Holding of material in a vessel or tank between process steps STORAGE

Slots

Name Description
unit_operation_type The type of unit operation performed at a process step

Identifier and Mapping Information

Schema Source

  • from schema: https://w3id.org/valuesets

LinkML Source

name: UnitOperationType
instantiates:
- valuesets_meta:ValueSetEnumDefinition
description: Fundamental chemical and process engineering unit operations - the discrete
  processing steps that transform, separate, combine, or move process material. Grouped
  (via the unit_operation_class annotation) into momentum transfer, heat transfer,
  mass-transfer separations, mechanical separations, solids processing, reaction,
  and storage.
title: Unit Operation Type
from_schema: https://w3id.org/valuesets
contributors:
- orcid:0000-0002-6601-2165
- https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code
status: DRAFT
rank: 1000
permissible_values:
  PUMPING:
    text: PUMPING
    description: Raising the pressure or moving of a liquid stream using a pump
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MOMENTUM_TRANSFER
  COMPRESSION:
    text: COMPRESSION
    description: Raising the pressure of a gas or vapor stream using a compressor
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MOMENTUM_TRANSFER
  GAS_MOVING:
    text: GAS_MOVING
    description: Moving a gas stream at low pressure rise using a fan or blower
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MOMENTUM_TRANSFER
  FLOW_SPLITTING:
    text: FLOW_SPLITTING
    description: Dividing a single stream into two or more streams of identical composition
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MOMENTUM_TRANSFER
  STREAM_MIXING:
    text: STREAM_MIXING
    description: Combining two or more streams into a single stream
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MOMENTUM_TRANSFER
  HEAT_EXCHANGE:
    text: HEAT_EXCHANGE
    description: Transfer of thermal energy between two streams without phase-change
      intent
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: HEAT_TRANSFER
  HEATING:
    text: HEATING
    description: Raising the temperature of a process stream
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: HEAT_TRANSFER
  COOLING:
    text: COOLING
    description: Lowering the temperature of a process stream
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: HEAT_TRANSFER
  CONDENSATION:
    text: CONDENSATION
    description: Converting a vapor to a liquid by removing heat
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: HEAT_TRANSFER
  EVAPORATION:
    text: EVAPORATION
    description: Concentrating a solution by vaporizing solvent, typically water
    meaning: CHMO:0001574
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: HEAT_TRANSFER
    title: evaporation
  DISTILLATION:
    text: DISTILLATION
    description: Separation of components by differences in volatility (boiling point)
    meaning: CHMO:0001532
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
    title: distillation
  ABSORPTION:
    text: ABSORPTION
    description: Selective transfer of one or more gas-phase components into a liquid
      solvent
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
  STRIPPING:
    text: STRIPPING
    description: Selective transfer of dissolved components from a liquid into a gas
      stream
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
  LIQUID_LIQUID_EXTRACTION:
    text: LIQUID_LIQUID_EXTRACTION
    description: Separation by partitioning of solutes between two immiscible liquid
      phases
    meaning: CHMO:0001577
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
    title: extraction
  LEACHING:
    text: LEACHING
    description: Solid-liquid extraction of soluble components from a solid using
      a solvent
    meaning: CHMO:0001681
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
    title: leaching
  ADSORPTION:
    text: ADSORPTION
    description: Selective uptake of components onto the surface of a solid sorbent
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
  ION_EXCHANGE:
    text: ION_EXCHANGE
    description: Reversible exchange of ions between a solution and a solid ion-exchange
      resin
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
  CHROMATOGRAPHY:
    text: CHROMATOGRAPHY
    description: Separation by differential partitioning of solutes between a mobile
      and stationary phase
    meaning: CHMO:0001000
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
    title: chromatography
  CRYSTALLIZATION:
    text: CRYSTALLIZATION
    description: Formation of a solid crystalline phase from a solution or melt
    meaning: PROCO:0000052
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
    title: crystallization
  PRECIPITATION:
    text: PRECIPITATION
    description: Formation of an insoluble solid from solution by chemical or physical
      means
    meaning: CHMO:0001688
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
    title: precipitation
  DRYING:
    text: DRYING
    description: Removal of a liquid (usually water) from a solid or surface by vaporization
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
  FREEZE_DRYING:
    text: FREEZE_DRYING
    description: Removal of solvent by sublimation from the frozen state (lyophilization)
    meaning: CHMO:0001553
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
      aliases:
        tag: aliases
        value: lyophilization
    title: freeze drying
  HUMIDIFICATION:
    text: HUMIDIFICATION
    description: Addition of water vapor to a gas stream
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MASS_TRANSFER_SEPARATION
  MEMBRANE_SEPARATION:
    text: MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
    description: Separation of stream components using a semipermeable membrane
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
  MICROFILTRATION:
    text: MICROFILTRATION
    description: Membrane separation retaining particles roughly 0.1-10 micrometers
    meaning: CHMO:0001641
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
    title: micro-filtration
  ULTRAFILTRATION:
    text: ULTRAFILTRATION
    description: Membrane separation retaining macromolecules and colloids
    meaning: CHMO:0001645
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
    title: ultra-filtration
  NANOFILTRATION:
    text: NANOFILTRATION
    description: Membrane separation retaining small molecules and multivalent ions
    meaning: CHMO:0001642
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
    title: nano-filtration
  REVERSE_OSMOSIS:
    text: REVERSE_OSMOSIS
    description: Pressure-driven membrane separation rejecting dissolved salts and
      small solutes
    meaning: CHMO:0001643
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
    title: reverse osmosis
  DIALYSIS:
    text: DIALYSIS
    description: Diffusive membrane separation of solutes across a concentration gradient
    meaning: CHMO:0001522
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
    title: dialysis
  ELECTRODIALYSIS:
    text: ELECTRODIALYSIS
    description: Membrane separation of ions driven by an applied electric field
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
  PERVAPORATION:
    text: PERVAPORATION
    description: Membrane separation combining permeation and partial vaporization
      of the permeate
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MEMBRANE_SEPARATION
  FILTRATION:
    text: FILTRATION
    description: Separation of solids from a fluid by passage through a porous medium
    meaning: CHMO:0001640
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
    title: filtration
  CENTRIFUGATION:
    text: CENTRIFUGATION
    description: Separation of phases by density difference under centrifugal force
    meaning: OBI:0302886
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
    title: centrifugation
  SEDIMENTATION:
    text: SEDIMENTATION
    description: Gravity separation of suspended solids or immiscible liquids by settling
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
  CLARIFICATION:
    text: CLARIFICATION
    description: Removal of suspended solids from a liquid to produce a clarified
      stream
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
  FLOTATION:
    text: FLOTATION
    description: Separation of solids or droplets by attachment to rising gas bubbles
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
  FLOCCULATION:
    text: FLOCCULATION
    description: Aggregation of fine suspended particles into larger flocs to aid
      separation
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
  CYCLONE_SEPARATION:
    text: CYCLONE_SEPARATION
    description: Separation of particles from a fluid using centrifugal force in a
      cyclone
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
  SCREENING:
    text: SCREENING
    description: Separation of particulate solids by size using a screen or sieve
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
  GAS_LIQUID_SEPARATION:
    text: GAS_LIQUID_SEPARATION
    description: Disengagement of vapor and liquid phases, e.g. in a flash or knockout
      drum
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: MECHANICAL_SEPARATION
  SIZE_REDUCTION:
    text: SIZE_REDUCTION
    description: Reduction of particle size by crushing, grinding, or milling (comminution)
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: SOLIDS_PROCESSING
  SIZE_ENLARGEMENT:
    text: SIZE_ENLARGEMENT
    description: Increase of particle size by granulation, agglomeration, or pelletizing
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: SOLIDS_PROCESSING
  MIXING:
    text: MIXING
    description: Blending of materials to achieve compositional or thermal uniformity
    meaning: CHMO:0001685
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: SOLIDS_PROCESSING
    title: mixing
  SOLIDS_CONVEYING:
    text: SOLIDS_CONVEYING
    description: Transport of bulk particulate solids between process steps
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: SOLIDS_PROCESSING
  CHEMICAL_REACTION:
    text: CHEMICAL_REACTION
    description: Chemical conversion of reactants to products in a reactor
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: REACTION
  FERMENTATION:
    text: FERMENTATION
    description: Microbial or enzymatic conversion of substrate to product in a bioreactor
    meaning: CHMO:0001624
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: REACTION
    title: fermentation
  COMBUSTION:
    text: COMBUSTION
    description: Exothermic oxidation of a fuel, typically to generate heat or power
    meaning: CHMO:0001473
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: REACTION
    title: combustion
  GASIFICATION:
    text: GASIFICATION
    description: Conversion of carbonaceous feedstock to synthesis gas under limited
      oxygen
    meaning: CHMO:0001501
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: REACTION
    title: gasification
  PYROLYSIS:
    text: PYROLYSIS
    description: Thermal decomposition of material in the absence of oxygen
    meaning: CHMO:0001502
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: REACTION
    title: pyrolysis
  ELECTROLYSIS:
    text: ELECTROLYSIS
    description: Driving a non-spontaneous chemical reaction using electrical energy
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: REACTION
  NEUTRALIZATION:
    text: NEUTRALIZATION
    description: Adjustment of pH by reaction of acid and base
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: REACTION
  PURIFICATION:
    text: PURIFICATION
    description: Removal of impurities to increase the purity of a product stream
    meaning: CHMO:0002231
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: SEPARATION
    title: purification
  STORAGE:
    text: STORAGE
    description: Holding of material in a vessel or tank between process steps
    annotations:
      unit_operation_class:
        tag: unit_operation_class
        value: STORAGE